CHP: Ukiah man arrested after violent Upper Lake pursuit

UPPER LAKE -- A Ukiah man was stunned with a Taser and arrested on felony charges last weekend after an incident that left a patrol car battered and the suspect's dog dead after it attacked an officer, authorities said.

James Leroy Obryant remains in custody at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility, standing accused of evasion, assault with a deadly weapon and other counts.

Obryant turned onto the highway, driving as fast as 90 mph, before veering onto Irvine Avenue and then Laurel Dell Road, all while failing to yield, running stop signs and sometimes traveling on the wrong side of the road, according to Crutcher. Crutcher alleged Obryant turned into a private Laurel Dell Road driveway before accelerating in reverse and ramming into the officer's patrol car.

The Ukiah man allegedly got back on Highway 20, but Ukiah CHP Officer Marion Pohl soon saw the Concorde west of Blue Lakes and tried to conduct an enforcement stop. The suspect failed to yield but eventually pulled off into another driveway and stopped, Crutcher stated.

Obryant and his dog immediately got out of the car and ran from the area, according to Crutcher. Ukiah CHP officers Matt Holzhauer and David Gerstenkorn reportedly soon arrived on scene and saw the suspect running.

Crutcher alleged Obryant ignored the officers' instructions so a Taser was deployed. Additionally, Obryant's dog allegedly attacked and bit Gerstenkorn, who fired his gun and killed the animal.

Officers found 299 grams of marijuana in Obryant's possession and learned he had an outstanding bench warrant, according to Crutcher.